Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella praised goalkeeper Neto for his part in Thursday's Europa League victory over Tottenham Hotspur -- his first appearance since revealing he will leave in the summer.
Neto kept a clean sheet as the Serie A club won 2-0 at home to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Londoners, who take on Chelsea in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday.
Since revealing his decision to leave earlier this year, Brazilian Neto has played second fiddle to Ciprian Tatarusanu and has been criticised by fans.
But with Tatarusanu injured Neto was back in the lineup, and Montella told his postmatch news conference: "It was not an easy game for him -- but he showed professionalism and the quality that all know he's got."
Montella had voiced his disappointment when the 25-year-old rejected a new deal, but urged supporters not to give him a hard time against Spurs.
They responded to that plea, and Neto's first-half save in a one-on-one with Roberto Soldado was a turning point in the game.
"It was a decisive save in what is certainly a difficult moment for him," Montella said. "Lots of credit must go to all the lads, and also to the fans.
"But I'm happy with everybody tonight, even those who are not on our Europa League squad but were still here to support us throughout the match."
